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Dachshund Rottweiler
The Dachshund
Origin Appearance Temperament Routine Care Grooming Links
Origin
For the most part, the Germans are repsonsible for the developement of the Dachshund. Some type of field spaniel and a terrier were likely bred to a smooth to develop the long hair and the wire coats. Their unique shape of long body, short legs, and distinct nose is specialized for hunting badgers. Hunters used the Dachshund to keep the number of badgers down. The Dachshund has incredible tunneling ability and a keen scent. (Hence their habit of digging!) Today, Dachshunds can be seen in many AKC sanctioned activities, such as Earthdog, Agility, Tracking, Obedience, Field Trials and Conformation. In addition, some are involved in pet therapy work while others have been trained as drug sniffing dogs by police. But overall, they make an exceptional family pet and companion!!!
General Appearance
According to the standard, "The Dachshund is low to the ground, long in body and short of leg with robust muscles and elastic, pliable skin." They are bred in two sizes, which are defined by weight. The standard Dachshund ranges in weight from 16-32 pounds and the miniature Dachshund weighs 11 pounds and under. Ther AKC only recognizes Standards and Miniatures. However, dogs in between 11-16 pounds are referred to as "tweenies". There are three coat varieties: smooth (short hair), the long hair (long, silky coat), and the wire (a dense wiry coat). They are recognized in every color except solid white. (Check our color descriptions to see the different colors.)
Temperament
The Dachshund is clever, lively, and courageous. They are very affectionate and loving to his/her family. The Dachshund craves being the center of all family activities. Even though they are a hardy breed, the Dachshund is a more well suited inside pet. They can be somewhat protective of their enviroment and may bark when they sense a potential threat.
Routine Care
As with all dogs, they require a proper nutrition, a clean enviornment, routine veterinary care with vaccinations and dental care to maintain optimal health. Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention is always recommended. Consult with your vet to see what is right for you and your dog. Select a dog food that is well balanced for your Dachshund. It is easy to over feed (and give too many treats!!) An overweight Dachshund is not a healthy one. They can face similar problems as overweight humans such as diabetes, joint problems, decreased stamina and possibly back problems. Your Dachshund should never be allowed to run free. A fenced yard will provide him/her a safe place to excersize and avoid injuries from cars and other animals. (The Dachshund is not aware of how small he/her is!) Remember the Dachshund is a hunting breed so it is not uncommon for them to catch a scent and take off regardless if you are screaming or not.
Grooming
Dachshunds are generally very clean dogs with little to no body odor. Minimal grooming requirements include clipping the nails, cleaning the inside of the ears, bathing when necessary and removing tartar from the teeth at least twice yearly. Wirehaired and Longhaired dogs may require professional grooming with frequent brushing of the coat.
We strongly recommend that you become well educated about the breed before purchasing a dog.
Here are a few links to help do so:
The Dachshund Club of America
The American Kennel Club
The Dachshund Handbook by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D.
Origin
The Rottweiler originated in Germany many, many years ago. The Germans took pride in producing a breed that was bold, courageous, protective, and peaceful. The Rottweiler's held many jobs in ancient years. They were bred to pull and protect carts of precious cargo. They were also used by many butchers to protect their money and stock, hence being known as "the butcher's dog". The Rottweiler resided mostly in Germany until the 1930's when the first Rottweiler was brought to the U.S. In 1936, the breed was given full recognition by the AKC. After failed attempts by other organizations, the American Rottweiler Club was finally established in 1973. Today Rottweilers can be seen going back to their roots in carting trials, herding trials, and watchdog work. Other more modern day activities also exist for Rottweilers such as agility competition, search and rescue work, and therapy work. But most of all, they make a great companion and family member.
Standard Appearance
According to the AKC standard, "The ideal Rottweiler is a medium-large, robust, and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. His compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility, and endurance. Males are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bones than females. Females are distinctively feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure." Males range is size from 24-27 inches and females range from 22-25 inches. No weights are given in the AKC standard, however, "correct proportion is of primary importance, as long as size is within the standard's range." The formula for figuring correct proportion is that the ratio of height to length should be 9 to 10. The head should be medium-long and broad in the back. Males should have pronounced cheek bones and strong jaws. Each eye should be dark and shaped like an almond. The Rottweiler should have a straight and strong back, a broad chest, and a short docked (artificially cut) tail. The coat consists of an outer coat and under coat. The outer coat is medium-long, coarse, thick, and straight. The under coat must not show through the outer coat. The Rottweiler must be black with sharply defined dark reddish-brown markings on the cheeks, muzzle, under the neck, on the chest and legs, over the eyes, and under the tail.
Temperament
(Temperament according to the AKC standard)
The Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident, and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his enviornment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptibility, with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian, and general all-purpose dog.
Standard Care
Just as any dog, the Rottweiler requires a well balanced diet, routine vet appoitments where they will recieve all appropriate vaccinations, heartworm preventative, and flea & tick preventative. Consult your vet to see which types and schedule is best for you and your dog. These dogs need plenty of excersize and a suitable fenced yard. They should get daily contact and attention and be well socialized as puppies with people and other animals. Use proper training in these matters and be aware of the Rottweilers natural born instincts.
Grooming
Grooming for the Rottweiler is relatively minimal. Frequent brushing will help remove old dead hair and help with shedding. Rottweilers shed their coats just as long hair breeds do, so frequent brushing and bathing is helpful. Keep nails trimmed and ears cleaned as much as possibly for a healthy dog inside and out.
Training
The Rottweiler is not only highly capable of learning, the breed thrives on training. Even young Rottie puppies have an amazing capacity to learn. This capacity is greater than most humans realize. Young puppies also forget with great speed unless they are reminded of what they have learned by continual reinforcement. The Rottweiler is easily trained to almost any task. As you train, however, remember that the breed does not comprehend violent treatment, nor does the Rottweiler need it. Positive reinforcement is the key to successful training and producing a happy, confident companion. Make sure you are in the right fram of mind for training sessions. Training should never take place when you are irritated, distressed, or pre-occupied.
We recommend that you become well educated on this breed before purchasing a pup.
Here are some links and books to help you.
The American Kennel Club
The American Rottweiler Club
Rottweilers for Dummies by Richard G. Beauchamp
